Google CEO Slams Gemini’s Responses, Promises Improvement

WebProNews
Google CEO Slams Gemini’s Responses, Promises Improvement

Google CEO Sundar Pichai had harsh words regarding the company’s AI, Gemini, saying it’s responses were “completely unacceptable and we got it wrong.”

Google rebranded its Bard AI to Gemini and has been expanding its capabilities in an effort to better compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot. The company recently unveiled a paid plan. Despite Google’s efforts, however, Gemini’s rollout has been plagued with issues.

According to Semafor, Gemini engaged in a slew of questionable and controversial behavior, both in the responses it returned and the images it generated. Pichai has weighed in on the controversy, saying the AI’s behavior was “unnacceptable.”

The CEO’s full memo is below, courtesy of Semafor:

THE VIEW FROM SUNDAR PICHAI

I want to address the recent issues with problematic text and image responses in the Gemini app (formerly Bard). I know that some of its responses have offended our users and shown bias – to be clear, that’s completely unacceptable and we got it wrong.

Our teams have been working around the clock to address these issues. We’re already seeing a substantial improvement on a wide range of prompts. No AI is perfect, especially at this emerging stage of the industry’s development, but we know the bar is high for us and we will keep at it for however long it takes. And we’ll review what happened and make sure we fix it at scale.

Our mission to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful is sacrosanct. We’ve always sought to give users helpful, accurate, and unbiased information in our products. That’s why people trust them. This has to be our approach for all our products, including our emerging AI products.

We’ll be driving a clear set of actions, including structural changes, updated product guidelines, improved launch processes, robust evals and red-teaming, and technical recommendations. We are looking across all of this and will make the necessary changes.

Even as we learn from what went wrong here, we should also build on the product and technical announcements we’ve made in AI over the last several weeks. That includes some foundational advances in our underlying models e.g. our 1 million long-context window breakthrough and our open models, both of which have been well received.

We know what it takes to create great products that are used and beloved by billions of people and businesses, and with our infrastructure and research expertise we have an incredible springboard for the AI wave. Let’s focus on what matters most: building helpful products that are deserving of our users’ trust.

Google’s trouble with Gemini illustrate the challenges involved in building out a generative AI, not to mention the uphill battle closing OpenAI and Microsoft’s lead in the market.

Google CEO Slams Gemini’s Responses, Promises Improvement
Staff

from WebProNews https://ift.tt/ZErmOqs

Apple Kills Its Project Titan Electric Vehicle

WebProNews
Apple Kills Its Project Titan Electric Vehicle

Apple has reportedly killed Project Titan, the company’s attempt to break into the autonomous electric vehicle market.

Rumors have circulated around Project Titan for years, with changes in leadership and direction reported. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple appears to have thrown in the towel and is killing the project after a decade of work.

Apple reportedly informed employees of the decision, surprising many of the 2,000 individuals working Project Titan. Gurman says that many of the employees will be moved to Apple’s AI division, although some layoffs may still occur.

Project Titan was always a major gamble for Apple, given how different the automotive industry is from Apple’s core business, and the lower profit margins involved.

The decision to move many of Project Titan’s staff to AI is an interesting one, given that AI is the critical component in autonomous vehicle development. With Apple’s increased focus on AI, it’s entirely possible we may one day see some kind of automotive integration, even if it’s not a full-fledged Apple Car.

Apple Kills Its Project Titan Electric Vehicle
Staff

from WebProNews https://ift.tt/bGxgFIO

Google Claims Microsoft Is A Cloud Monopoly

WebProNews
Google Claims Microsoft Is A Cloud Monopoly

Google is doubling down on its campaign to challenge Microsoft’s cloud business, claiming the company has a monopoly in the cloud.

Microsoft is the second-largest cloud provider, behind AWS, but that hasn’t stopped critics from claiming the company has a monopoly. The accusations stem largely from Microsoft leveraging its established desktop and productivity software to give customers better pricing when paired with its Azure cloud platform. The company has faced scrutiny in the EU as a result of this practice.

According to Reuters, Google Cloud VP Amit Zavery is once again trying to get regulators to crack down on Microsoft’s cloud business, with the company’s adoption of OpenAI fueling the latest concerns.

“We worry about Microsoft wanting to flex their decade-long practices where they had a lot of monopoly on the on-premise software before and now they are trying to push that into cloud now,” Zavery said in an interview.

“So they are creating this whole walled garden, which is completely controlled and owned by Microsoft, and customers who want to do any of this stuff, you have to go to Microsoft only,” he added.

“If Microsoft cloud doesn’t remain open, we will have issues and long-term problems, even in next generation technologies like AI as well, because Microsoft is forcing customers to go to Azure in many ways,” Zavery said.

Zavery called on regulators to provide a clear framework for how companies can bundle services and leverage existing businesses.

“I think regulators need to provide some kind of guidance as well as maybe regulations which prevent the way Microsoft is building the Azure cloud business, not allow your on-premise monopoly to bring it into the cloud monopoly,” Zavery said.

Microsoft, for its part, pointed to AWS’ leading position in the industry to counter Google’s claim.

“As the latest independent data shows, competition between cloud hyperscalers remains healthy,” said a Microsoft spokesperson. “In 2023, Microsoft and Google made small gains on AWS, which continues to remain the global market leader by a significant margin.”

Google Claims Microsoft Is A Cloud Monopoly
Staff

from WebProNews https://ift.tt/ZI2TxEJ

Google Rolls Out AI Cyber Defense Initiative

WebProNews
Google Rolls Out AI Cyber Defense Initiative

Google is rolling out a new initiative aimed at using AI to bolster cybersecurity at a time when companies are experiencing more threats than ever.

Companies and organizations of all sizes are facing unprecedented cybersecurity threats, with AI increasingly being used to carry out attacks. Google is trying to turn the tables, using AI to help bolster cybersecurity. The company wants to help organizations tackle “Defender’s Dilemma” with its new AI Cyber Defense Initiative.

Phil Venables, Google Cloud VP, CISO, and Royal Hansen, VP of Engineering for Privacy, Safety, and Security outlined the initiative in a blog post:

Today, and for decades, the main challenge in cybersecurity has been that attackers need just one successful, novel threat to break through the best defenses. Defenders, meanwhile, need to deploy the best defenses at all times, across increasingly complex digital terrain — and there’s no margin for error. This is the “Defender’s Dilemma,” and there’s never been a reliable way to tip that balance.

Our experience deploying AI at scale informs our belief that AI can actually reverse this dynamic. AI allows security professionals and defenders to scale their work in threat detection, malware analysis, vulnerability detection, vulnerability fixing and incident response.

The executives outline Google’s three-part plan, including its efforts to foster a “secure by design and by default” AI ecosystem; empower organizations with expansions to its Google.org Cybersecurity Seminars Program and open-sourcing its AI-powered Magika that is used to help detect malware; and advancing AI-powered security researched with $2 million in research grants.

The company has a detailed report available for those looking to learn more.

Google Rolls Out AI Cyber Defense Initiative
Staff

from WebProNews https://ift.tt/3NmeHVd

Microsoft Partners With AI Startup Mistral AI

WebProNews
Microsoft Partners With AI Startup Mistral AI

Microsoft appears to be diversifying its AI investments, partnering with AI startup Mistral AI.

Mistral AI is a Paris-based startup focused on generative AI. Microsoft already has an established partnership with OpenAI, but the company has announced a -multi-year partnership with the startup. Microsoft touts both companies’ focus on “bridging the gap between pioneering research and real-world solutions.”

The partnership will give Mistral AI access to Azure’s AI infrastructure, which the company can use to power its large language models (LLMs).

“We are thrilled to embark on this partnership with Microsoft,” said Arthur Mensch, Chief Executive Officer, Mistral AI. “With Azure’s cutting-edge AI infrastructure, we are reaching a new milestone in our expansion propelling our innovative research and practical applications to new customers everywhere. Together, we are committed to driving impactful progress in the AI industry and delivering unparalleled value to our customers and partners globally.”

Tests of Mistral Large, the startup’s flagship commercial AI model, shows it is comparable to industry-leading models and exceeds them in some ways.

“We have tested Mistral Large through the Azure AI Studio in a use case aimed at internal efficiency,” said Philippe Rambach, Chief AI Officer, Schneider Electric. “The performance was comparable with state-of-the-art models with even better latency. We are looking forward to exploring further this technology in our business.”

Microsoft will make Mistral’s models available via Azure AI Studio Models as a Service (MaaS) alongside existing OpenAI options. The two companies will collaborate on future research and collaboration.

Microsoft Partners With AI Startup Mistral AI
Staff

from WebProNews https://ift.tt/TPhpVlA

9 Tools to Help Get Your E-commerce Store Startup Up and Running

WebProNews
9 Tools to Help Get Your E-commerce Store Startup Up and Running

Most people prefer to buy things online these days. With global retail e-commerce sales set to exceed 6.3 trillion in 2024, now might be the perfect time to get into the e-commerce business. 

If those are your thoughts, welcome to the 576 billion dollar industry of e-commerce startups. 

As you might expect, the competition is stiff, as there are thousands of startups already in the market before you conceived the idea. 

Nonetheless, you can still catch up if you start now. Here are nine tools you need to get up and running in no time. 

1. E-Commerce Website Building Tool

E-commerce is about selling products and services online. So, the first thing you need is a website. 

While the option of building from scratch does exist, the cost far outweighs the benefits. Instead, an e-commerce website-building tool will get you set up in an instant for less cost. These e-commerce platforms come with off-the-shelf front-end, back-end, and customizable features for e-commerce store startups. 

They could be open-source e-commerce platforms that allow you to install the source code on a web hosting server for free or SaaS e-commerce software that charges monthly fees. You should consider your content creation needs, expected website traffic, design, and aesthetic needs when making this choice. 

2. Inventory Management Tool

To the public, your e-commerce store startup was already live when you launched your website. Now, you need to live up to their expectations when the orders start rolling in. You want to ensure orders are efficiently fulfilled while avoiding surplus and stockouts. 

That’s why you need an inventory management tool. This tool helps you monitor all aspects of the supply chain, like purchase orders, stock levels, demand forecasts, and the order fulfillment process. 

The point is to ensure that your startup satisfies customer demands as much as possible. That’s key to a successful e-commerce store startup. 

3. Project Management Tool

In addition to managing inventory, the day-to-day operations of your e-commerce store startup will include tracking employee work progress, outsourcing work, creating content, tracking budget, and a host of other tasks that pop up. And they all have to get done promptly and effectively. 

As the person in charge, it is important to stay on top of all operations, and a project management tool helps you do just that. It improves both your communication and productivity to keep customers satisfied. More importantly, it keeps you focused on your targets as you try to match customer requirements. 

Project management tools that align your business processes with your natural organization pattern often produce the best results. So, it’s a great idea to look out for the top solutions that possess features matching the tasks your startup is looking to perform.

4. Account Management Tool

Finances are crucial to startup success and, so, should be taken seriously. Yet crunching numbers, thinking about taxes, and managing your books isn’t exactly a dream task for most people. So, it is advisable to implement a scalable structure for handling financial data from the get-go, regardless of whether you’ll be handling the books personally or hiring an accountant. 

Accounting software makes this accurate and efficient. They help you determine your sales expenses, profit margins, invoicing, payable taxes, overhead costs, and other financial details. 

Some programs have both account and inventory management functionalities. While they cut costs, they might limit you in terms of capabilities. However, should you opt for a separate account management tool, you must ensure your pick integrates perfectly with other tools used in your startup. It is also important to choose accounting software in your niche, as they may have specialized features that improve your workflow. 

5. Customer Relationship Management Tool

You should strive to foster long-term relationships with your customers because they are crucial to your startup’s success. Paying close attention to them involves monitoring their purchase history, their buying patterns, likes, and preferences. 

You can’t handle those tasks manually. That’s why you need a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool. 

The right one possesses analytics functionalities that capture and analyze customer data. As a result, you can leverage the insights for personalized marketing efforts and targeted promotions. 

The point here is to bridge the gap between your customers and your startup. 

6. Payment Processing Tool

A payment processing tool or payment gateway facilitates the acceptance of electronic payments from customers online. It is as important as your e-commerce website building tool because you must be able to process transactions to be up and running. 

Its function differs from account management tools in that it focuses on transactions between your startup and the customer. 

When choosing a payment processing tool, you want to choose something fast, reliable, and secure. Customers have a short attention span and will often ignore a purchase when they encounter difficulties like payment glitches. In addition, customers want to be sure their payment information is secure with your store. So, you must opt for an option with secure encryption and fraud prevention technologies to avoid exposing customer data to data breaches, as Mint Mobile experienced.  

Most importantly, it must be compatible with your website, as you’ll be integrating it with the website. 

7. Email Marketing Tool

Email is the internet’s sales channel. When you’re just starting, you’re looking to build awareness and engage with customers to drive sales. And emails are one of the tested, trusted, and most efficient ways of doing that. However, email outreaches can be quite technical and difficult to execute correctly.

To improve your chances, you need an email marketing tool to create, send, test, and optimize email campaigns. This tool streamlines and automates personalized email outreach programs to boost your conversion rate. 

In addition to these base features, the best email marketing tools offer plenty of aesthetically pleasing templates, cutting-edge automation tools, and audience segmentation and analytics functionalities. 

8. Content Creation Tool 

Once you have the basic architecture of the functional aspects of your e-commerce store startup set up, you need to put the word out. Content, Bill Gates said, is King. It increases your visibility — a crucial factor for market awareness and, ultimately, sales. 

You need tools to get content creation right. 

Some tools help you create aesthetically pleasing designs, brand logos, supporting imagery for your startup and online store, and other brand elements. 

For example, photo-editing tools are a type of content-creating tool that helps you create appealing product photos. Likewise, content management systems help you create online blogs that can be used for audience building.

9. Customer Support Tool

If your content creation efforts are effective, you should be getting inquiries, questions about your offerings, and even negative feedback. It all signifies that you’re getting across to the customer. In response, you need to support your customers with whatever needs they need meant. 

A customer support tool helps you handle all correspondence with the customers for the appropriate departments. 

For instance, you need a help desk ticketing system to collect, organize, and prioritize all customer queries in order of importance before assigning them to the appropriate departments. You can also consider live chat software to facilitate real-time communication between customers and customer support agents. Customer feedback, surveys, and social media tools also help you run opinion polls to get customer feedback on different concerns. 

Conclusion

Your e-commerce website is the first thing you need to kick off your e-commerce store startup. Next, you need a payment system integrated to conduct transactions. 

Inventory, project, customer relationship, and account management tools handle the different aspects of your business, as implied by their names. With a smooth-running structure in place, content creation and email marketing tools help you get the word out there via email and content marketing outreaches. 

And when the queries start coming in, your choice of customer support ensures you don’t miss a thing.

9 Tools to Help Get Your E-commerce Store Startup Up and Running
Brian Wallace

from WebProNews https://ift.tt/0L8Fdwt

Andreessen Horowitz Wants to Manage the Finances of Startups It Invests In

WebProNews
Andreessen Horowitz Wants to Manage the Finances of Startups It Invests In

VC firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) may be looking to expand its services by managing the finances of startups it invests in.

According to Bloomberg, the company recently hired Michel Del Buono as chief investment officer. His duties will include overseeing a range of wealth-management services.

Providing wealth-management services could be a highly profitable business for the firm. Companies usually charge 1% of a client’s assets, with profits reaching as high as 50%.

While a16z did confirm Del Buono’s hiring to Bloomberg, it declined to comment on any future business plans.

Andreessen Horowitz Wants to Manage the Finances of Startups It Invests In
Staff

from WebProNews https://ift.tt/453rfKV

Liz Coddington, Former AWS VP of Finance, Joins Peloton As CFO

WebProNews
Liz Coddington, Former AWS VP of Finance, Joins Peloton As CFO

Peloton has scored a major win in its recruiting efforts, hiring Liz Coddington to be the company’s new CFO.

Peloton has been struggling after being the darling of the pandemic bubble. As people sheltered and quarantined at home, the company’s fortunes skyrocketed, only to come crashing back down as things returned to normal. The company clearly hopes Coddington can help get things back on track.

Coddington formerly served as VP of Finance for Amazon Web Services. She will begin her job at Peloton on June 13. According to a regulatory filing, Coddington’s compensation will include an annual salary of $1 million, as well as $9 million in stock equity. The company will also provide $150,000 for relocation.

Coddington served as VP at Amazon since January 2021, and worked at the company for a total of six years. Prior to that, she held senior leadership roles at Adara, Walmart, and Netflix.

“Liz is a deeply talented finance executive and will be an invaluable addition to Peloton’s leadership team,” said Peloton CEO Barry McCarthy. “Having worked at some of the strongest and most recognizable technology brands, she not only brings the expertise needed to run our finance organization, but she has a critical understanding of what it takes to drive growth and operational excellence. I have seen her intellect, abilities, and leadership firsthand and am excited to work closely with her as we execute the next phase of Peloton’s journey.”

Liz Coddington, Former AWS VP of Finance, Joins Peloton As CFO
Staff

from WebProNews https://ift.tt/d1tAn68

Emerging Technology Trends That’s Reshaping The Restaurant Industry

WebProNews
Emerging Technology Trends That’s Reshaping The Restaurant Industry

While other industries are usually quick to jump onto emerging technology and digital trends, the restaurant industry, and perhaps the larger hospitality sector tend to be slower to adapt to new technological advancements. 

However, as the last several years have shown us, restaurants and business owners were faced with immense challenges, having to bring forth more innovative solutions to a wide range of marketplace problems. 

From the pandemic, which brought global supply chains to a near halt, a decrease in exports across Europe due to the ongoing geopolitical conflict in Ukraine, tight labor market conditions, and inflation soaring to a four-decade high – restaurants had to fight for their survival. 

While the last few years have proven to be somewhat challenging, in more than one way possible, a looming recession and further economic headwinds are further threatening an industry that has yet to be able to recover from the pandemic.  

Nonetheless, there have been changes and improvements in the restaurants we eat and the places we order food from. The introduction of contactless payments, self-checkouts, and online ordering are only a few of the visible gems that have already transformed the dining experience. 

Economists continue to warn about the likelihood of a possible recession hitting our shores this year. This only further highlights the importance, and pace at which businesses, and more so restaurants should start focussing on introducing more tech-based innovations.

Technology trends changing the restaurant industry 

While it’s no longer possible for businesses in the Food & Beverage industry to ignore the importance of technology, especially with a recession looming, tech and digital innovation can often be a solution to help simplify operations and manage costs more efficiently. 

In the near future, the restaurant industry will see off-premise consumption become an even bigger part of their equation. This would mean that restaurants will no longer require technology for in-house operations, but perhaps need to start looking at how they can transform the off-premise consumption, ordering, and deliver experience for customers. 

Blockchain Technology And Customer Loyalty Programs

Customer loyalty programs are set for a massive improvement in the coming years, as blockchain technology gains increasing momentum and begins to transform the way businesses and companies operate their customer loyalty programs. 

Keeping existing customers will be easier, and a lot more affordable than having to market and find new customers. According to industry research, it costs businesses five times more to recruit new customers, than having to retain existing ones. 

Keeping customers engaged, especially through customer loyalty programs, blockchain technology could become a key solution as it can help reduce costs, establish frictionless systems and create more real-time processing. 

Not only will blockchain technology improve the efficiency of customer loyalty programs, it can further provide a more secure environment for customer-to-business transactions, and help to encourage the sharing of important data with restaurants to further understand the changing consumer marketplace. 

AI Automating Inventory Management 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a key driving force behind the technological advancements taking place among several high-profile industries. Commercial adoption of AI-powered software such as ChatGPT has already gained serious traction since its release in November 2022. 

However, AI is more than a software engine for users. Instead, it has the potential to help automate mundane and complex tasks that often require human resources and consume valuable time. 

Leveraging the possibilities of AI, restaurants can automate important operational aspects of the business, such as inventory management. With these capabilities, restaurants will have better control over their inventory orders, helping to reduce costs and minimize food wastage. 

Creating an automated system that works throughout the restaurants would ensure that both front-of-house and back-of-house staff are informed about any low inventory items, or create forward-looking timelines for when new orders will need to be placed. 

These efforts are not only a way for restaurants to be more sustainable, but they could help them be more accurate in their predictions, what they will need, and the quantity they need to order. 

Digital Food Delivery 

During the pandemic food ordering and delivery services experienced a surge in demand, as stay-at-home and quarantine orders restricted the movement of people. This led to an even bigger demand for delivery drivers, with more than 1.4 million delivery drivers currently employed in the United States. 

While the pandemic was perhaps the biggest driver of food delivery services, the coming years will see even more demand for these services, as online ordering and contactless payment becomes even more advanced. 

The introduction of autonomous vehicles is already something we’re witnessing in places such as Las Vegas, Nevada, and Miami, Florida. Bigger companies such as Domino’s Pizza and Amazon have already started experimenting with the potential of autonomous vehicles and drone delivery to help create more efficient delivery systems. 

While this will minimize the need for human drivers, in some parts, technology could now be an optimal solution that could see restaurants reaching customers in remote regions. This would help ensure that orders are delivered faster, and more efficiently, and that driverless deliveries are certainly something that we will see more of in the coming years. 

Digital Bookings And Table Reservations 

Restaurant-goers have one of several options when it comes to booking or reserving tables at their favorite dining houses. The more traditional involves visiting a restaurant to reserve a table or phoning in. Other options could include booking on the restaurant website, or even through social media. 

While these options are convenient, technology is helping to further stretch the limits with the introduction of mobile booking applications. Customers can now make a reservation at some of their favorite places through one app. 

Not only will they be able to book through these apps, but they can also browse different restaurant options available in their area, get seething plans, and share their dining and eating preferences. 

Businesses will also benefit from digital booking and reservation apps. Information shared by guests would help them set up menus tailored to their customer’s dietary demands. They can collect important demographic data, and plan for upcoming events. 

Seating arrangements will be more efficiently laid out, and employees will have better control over their guests, knowing exactly what their preferences are and how to cater to their needs. 

Ultimately, digital booking platforms will become a way to not only improve the way customers can interact with restaurants, but it will also help enhance the customer experience and further provide them with personalized options before even visiting any establishment. 

Staff Retention And Team Management Software

Even employees will benefit from improved technological adoption in the coming years. With more aim to improve staff scheduling, and floor plans, and help prioritize team management, restaurants will help ensure employees are receiving adequate training and are being more effectively utilized. 

Instead of relying on outdated pen-and-paper methods for setting up work schedules, automated systems can now undertake the task of diligently analyzing employee needs, and ensuring staff will get preferred shifts that suit their working needs. 

This could mean that shifts will be more equally shared among all employees, leading to less need for employees during off-season periods, helping to give employees enough time to rest, and also helping to reduce overhead costs. 

Other benefits that could help restaurant employees are effective management of payroll services, reimbursement, advancement opportunities, and the scheduling of paid time off. 

The goal of these systems would be to help employees to have a better work-life balance, but also ensure that every staff member is treated fairly and equally. 

These systems would require investment on behalf of restaurant owners and managers, but the outcomes would pay for themselves in the long term. 

While there are several exciting developments taking place in the technology sector, helping improve the efficiency and productivity of businesses around the world, perhaps the most interesting is the deployment of these systems in the food and beverage industry. 

Given how these digital systems have evolved over the last several years, the time ahead would only bring more innovation into our restaurants. Making an impact on how restaurants are operated, improving employee retention, and minimizing human-induced errors, but more so, enhancing the customer experience, both for in-store and off-premise dining experiences. 

Emerging Technology Trends That’s Reshaping The Restaurant Industry
Staff

from WebProNews https://ift.tt/AEI6gUz

‘Actual’ Personal Finance App Goes Open-Source, Highlights Developer Challenges

WebProNews
‘Actual’ Personal Finance App Goes Open-Source, Highlights Developer Challenges

Actual developer James Long has announced his Actual personal finance app will be going open-source, citing the difficulties in making a success of a being an independent developer.

Actual is a unique finance app, one that focuses on privacy and giving users control over their own data. The app is available for Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and the web.

Actual is a super fast privacy-focused app for managing your finances. You own your data, and we will sync it across all devices with optional end-to-end encryption.

Unfortunately, despite positive reviews and significant paid subscriptions, Long says the challenges involved have made it nearly impossible to continue developing the project alone.

Building products is hard, building a business is even harder. I told myself that I was going to push through and make it happen no matter what. Even if it took years, I would slowly build my vision. When I stopped working full-time on Actual and started working at Stripe, I told everyone it wasn’t going anywhere. And I meant it.

But the fact is this project is way bigger than me. I have to come to accept that. Even I were completely full-time, I need to hire at least 2 other people to properly sustain it. It’s time to call it for what it is and open it up as a community project.

Long’s challenges were exacerbated by his focus on making Actual privacy-respecting, instead of going the cloud-first route that so many other apps and services choose.

Actual is a very different product. It’s not a normal SaaS app. It’s a local-first app using a fancy technology called CRDTs that syncs changes across devices.

This has a lot of benefits, but one drawback is I can’t use off-the-shelf solutions anymore. Hiring and getting help is harder. I’m super proud of being so ambitious, but ultimately doing something so different made it hard to iterate quickly. I can’t simply make a quick database schema change. Every feature needs to be rolled out very thoughfully and maintain backwards compatibility.

I’m hopeful that open-source will make this easier; with lots of people involved it offsets the difficulty added. And I’m hopeful there will a lot of people involved because I get asked if I’m going to open-source at least once a month.

Long’s challenges are a sad commentary on the state of the current tech and software industry, where innovative products struggle to gain traction because the rest of the industry is geared toward a cloud-first approach where users give up control over their data.

Hopefully, Actual will receive the backing it needs from the open-source community to continue evolving.

‘Actual’ Personal Finance App Goes Open-Source, Highlights Developer Challenges
Matt Milano

from WebProNews https://ift.tt/0Zth7gS

From Soundwaves to Text: The Unsung Power of Transcriptions and Subtitles

WebProNews
From Soundwaves to Text: The Unsung Power of Transcriptions and Subtitles

In today’s fast-paced digital world, content is consumed in multiple formats, spanning across various languages and media. As we navigate through this sea of information, the roles of transcription and subtitle services have become pivotal, transforming the way we access and understand content. 

With the help of services that convert audio to transcripts, gone are the days when transcripts and subtitles were just an afterthought. They are now front and center in breaking down linguistic and accessibility barriers, enabling creators and audiences to connect more deeply than ever before.

Boosting Global Understanding with Language Services

Imagine sitting in a conference where speakers are presenting in languages you barely understand. Here, transcriptions and translations become your knights in shining armor. Transcription services not only provide a textual representation of the spoken word but, in many cases, offer translations to bridge the gap between languages. 

Such services have been instrumental for businesses seeking to expand globally, facilitating clear communication and understanding despite linguistic differences. Through the use of AI, these services are now more accurate and faster, allowing for almost real-time translations that can thrust a local business onto the global stage overnight.

Transcription and subtitle services also extend a helping hand to international diplomacy and global broadcasting networks, where accuracy in communication can build bridges or inflame tensions. These tools offer a layer of precision and clarity that is essential in fostering cross-cultural relationships and promoting international cooperation. In this vein, they are not just tools for understanding but instruments for peacekeeping in the international arena.

Elevating Content Creation with Seamless Transcription Tools

For content creators, whether they are journalists, podcasters, or video producers, converting audio to transcript can unlock new audiences. Text versions of audio content not only make the material accessible to those who are deaf or hard of hearing but also enhance the content’s discoverability online through improved SEO. 

What’s more, transcripts and subtitles allow viewers to engage with content in sound-sensitive environments, ensuring that no viewer is left behind. Software and tools designed for this purpose are becoming increasingly sophisticated, offering creators the ability to produce high-quality transcriptions that honor the original tone and context of their work.

Transcriptions can also provide a basis for additional content creation, such as derivative written articles, blog posts, or even books. This repurposing of audio and video content extends its life and value, offering creators extra avenues for monetization and audience engagement. It also serves educational purposes, making content more versatile for teaching and learning scenarios.

Breaking Barriers: The Role of Subtitles in Global Communication

Subtitles carry the enormous responsibility of conveying not just the spoken word but the nuances of cultural expressions across languages. This has opened up international markets to filmmakers and content creators who can now connect with audiences far beyond their geographical and linguistic boundaries. 

In education, where e-learning platforms and online courses have seen exponential growth, multilingual subtitles ensure that knowledge is accessible to a global audience. The advent of live subtitling technologies further democratizes events and presentations, making them accessible and inclusive in real-time.

In addition to breaking down language barriers, subtitles also enhance the understanding of content for language learners. They serve as practical tools for individuals seeking to improve their proficiency in a foreign language, providing a way to connect learning with entertainment. By reading along while listening, language learners can improve their comprehension and pronunciation, turning leisure time into an educational opportunity.

From Audio to Text: Transforming Information Accessibility

Accessibility is at the heart of transcription services. They play a critical role in making information available to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, thus promoting inclusivity. In sectors where precision and clarity are paramount, such as in legal and medical fields, transcriptions provide a verifiable, textual record of verbal exchanges and findings. 

Transcription services contribute significantly to the archiving of historical and media content, ensuring that future generations have access to a wealth of knowledge and entertainment.

The Unsung Heroes behind your Binge-Watching Subtitles

Ever wondered about the process of creating the subtitles for your favorite foreign film or series? Behind every subtitled movie or show is a team of diligent subtitlers and translators who painstakingly ensure that the essence of dialogues and cultural expressions is preserved across languages. The challenge intensifies with dialects and colloquialisms, requiring not just linguistic skills but a deep understanding of cultures. Yet, these professionals navigate these challenges daily, enabling us to enjoy a wealth of content from around the world, all from the comfort of our couches.

Summing Up

The advent of transcription and subtitle services marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more connected and accessible world. These services are reshaping the landscape of content creation, consumption, and global communication, ensuring that no voice is left unheard, and no story untold. 

As technology continues to advance, we can only expect these services to become more ingrained in our daily lives, further blurring the lines between languages and bringing us closer to a truly global community.

From Soundwaves to Text: The Unsung Power of Transcriptions and Subtitles
Brian Wallace

from WebProNews https://ift.tt/uyIxsiw

US Agencies Request the Most User Data From Big Tech, Apple Complies the Most

WebProNews
US Agencies Request the Most User Data From Big Tech, Apple Complies the Most

Americans concerned about their user data falling into the hands of foreign governments may want to look closer to home.

According to new research by VPN provider SurfShark, the US government makes the most requests for user data from Big Tech companies than any other jurisdiction in the world. The company analyzed data requests to Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft by “government agencies of 177 countries between 2013 and 2021.”

The US came in first with 2,451,077 account requests, more than four times the number of Germany, the number two country on the list. In fact, the US made more requests than all of Europe, including the UK, which collectively came in under 2 million.

While the US and EU were responsible for a combined total of 60% of all data requests, the US “made 8 times more requests than the global average (87.9/100k).”

The number of accounts being accessed is also growing, with a five-times increase in requests from 2013 to 2021. The US alone saw a 348% increase during the time frame, and the scope and purpose of the requests are expanding.

“Besides requesting data from technology companies, authorities are now exploring more ways to monitor and tackle crime through online services. For instance, the EU is considering a regulation that would require internet service providers to detect, report, and remove abuse-related content,” says Gabriele Kaveckyte, Privacy Counsel at Surfshark. “On one hand, introducing such new measures could help solve serious criminal cases, but civil society organizations expressed their concerns of encouraging surveillance techniques which may later be used, for example, to track down political rivals.”

The report also sheds light on which companies comply the most versus which ones push back against requests. For all of its privacy-oriented marketing — “what happens on your iPhone stays on your iPhone” — Apple complies with data requests more than any other company, handing it over 82% of the time.

In contrast, Meta complies 72% of the time, and Google does 71% of the time. Microsoft, on the other hand, pushes back the most among Big Tech companies, only handing data over 68% of the time.

The findings may also put a dent in US efforts to ban TikTok and other foreign apps under the guise of protecting user privacy and data.

US Agencies Request the Most User Data From Big Tech, Apple Complies the Most
Staff

from WebProNews https://ift.tt/YOyMtV2

Microsoft Is Killing Azure IoT Central

WebProNews
Microsoft Is Killing Azure IoT Central

Microsoft surprised developers with news that it will kill of its Azure IoT Central, beginning in April 2024.

According to The Register, Microsoft says developers will no longer be able to develop new applications for Azure IoT Central as of April 1, with the service shutting down in 2027.

“Starting on April 1, 2024, you won’t be able to create new application resources; however, all existing IoT Central applications will continue to function and be managed. Subscription is not allowed to create new applications. Please create a support ticket to request an exception,” the statement to customers, seen by The Register.

The move comes as a surprise to many since Azure IoT Central is listed as one of the “key components” of the company’s Azure platform.

It’s unclear why Microsoft is making such a dramatic change.

Microsoft Is Killing Azure IoT Central
Staff

from WebProNews https://ift.tt/e3ABSfO

Mozilla Lays Off ‘Approximately 60’ Employees

WebProNews
Mozilla Lays Off ‘Approximately 60’ Employees

Mozilla has engaged in a round of layoffs, letting “approximately 60” of its employees go, representing roughly 5% of its staff.

Mozilla has been working to diversify its income streams and lesson its reliance on its search deal with Google. Unfortunately, it appears that some of its diversification endeavors have not paid off, with the company telling The Register that it will de-emphasize some of them, including Mozilla VPN, Relay and its Mastodon instance.

“We’re scaling back investment in some product areas in order to focus on the ones that we feel have the greatest chance of success,” a spokesperson told the outlet.

The company says it plans to “re-prioritize resources towards products like Firefox Mobile and AI, where there’s a significant opportunity to grow and establish a better model for the industry.”

Mozilla Lays Off ‘Approximately 60’ Employees
Staff

from WebProNews https://ift.tt/ZSinh4o

Investment Strategies and Fractional CFOs: A Synergy for Startup Success

WebProNews
Investment Strategies and Fractional CFOs: A Synergy for Startup Success

In the dynamic world of startups, where agility and strategic planning are pivotal, the integration of robust investment strategies and the expertise of fractional Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) creates a synergy that can be the cornerstone of success. Fractional CFO services can be instrumental in developing and executing investment strategies that propel startups towards growth and stability. 

The Crucial Role of Investment Strategies in Startups 

For startups, investment strategies are not just about securing funds; they’re about building a foundation for sustainable growth. These strategies encompass equity and debt financing, venture capital engagement, and effective cash flow management. The challenge for many startups lies in their limited resources and expertise in navigating a complex financial landscape. 

Enter the fractional CFO, a seasoned financial expert who offers their services on a part-time or need-based arrangement. Their role in shaping and guiding a startup’s investment strategy is multifaceted and can be the difference between thriving growth and stagnation. 

Strategic Financial Planning and Market Analysis 

Fractional CFOs bring a wealth of experience in financial planning and market analysis. They assist startups in understanding their market position, identifying potential investment opportunities, and evaluating risks. This strategic planning is vital for startups to make informed decisions about where and how to invest their resources. 

By conducting thorough market analysis, fractional CFOs help startups understand the competitive landscape, customer trends, and economic conditions. This insight is crucial in developing investment strategies that are aligned with the startup’s long-term goals and market realities. 

Navigating Funding and Capital Raising

One of the most critical roles of a fractional CFO is guiding startups through the complexities of funding and capital raising. They play a key role in preparing investment packages, including pitch decks and financial models, which are essential for attracting investors. Their experience in dealing with venture capitalists, angel investors, and other funding sources is invaluable in negotiating favorable terms and securing the necessary capital for growth. 

Furthermore, fractional CFOs can help startups explore various funding avenues, balancing equity and debt financing to maintain optimal capital structure and shareholder value. This balanced approach is crucial for startups to avoid over-dilution of equity and maintain financial flexibility. 

Financial Oversight and Cash Flow Management 

Effective cash flow management is the lifeline of any startup. Fractional CFOs provide rigorous financial oversight, ensuring that investments are strategically aligned with business objectives. They implement robust financial controls and monitoring systems, enabling startups to track their investments’ performance and make timely adjustments. 

In addition, fractional CFOs assist in budgeting and forecasting, crucial for anticipating future cash needs and managing financial risks. This proactive approach to cash flow management helps startups maintain liquidity and avoid common pitfalls like cash crunches. 

Potential Impact of Fractional CFOs in Investment Strategy 

Consider a tech startup looking to expand its market reach. The fractional CFO could develop a strategic investment plan focusing on targeted marketing and product development. By securing venture capital funding and managing investments prudently, the startup could successfully expand its customer base and increase its market share. 

Another possible example could be a health tech startup navigating regulatory challenges. The fractional CFO could provide expert guidance on compliance-related investments, ensuring the startup’s products meet industry standards. This strategic investment would not only mitigate regulatory risks but would also position the startup as a credible player in the health tech space. 

Delivering Enterprise-Level Results to Startups 

The synergy between investment strategies and fractional CFOs offers a powerful combination for startup success. By leveraging the expertise of fractional CFOs in financial planning, funding navigation, and cash flow management, startups can develop and execute investment strategies that foster growth, resilience, and long-term viability. In an increasingly competitive and complex business environment, this synergy is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity for startups aiming to make their mark and achieve sustainable success.

Investment Strategies and Fractional CFOs: A Synergy for Startup Success
Brian Wallace

from WebProNews https://ift.tt/Fmq4z8Y